Oregon is one of those states in America that has too much scenery. From mountains to ocean to plains to wine country and all the activities to go with them. I wish there was a way they could share with other states (but not UT, CO, ID, or MT). Then we can all have similar amounts of cool. Sorry other gorgeous states. You already have enough awesome.I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Oregon more than a few times for work and play. Years ago on my first visit for work, I was (ironically) sequestered to the inside of a factory with no windows. I knew then, as I drove from the airport to location and back again, that I needed to return. On another work trip for a photo shoot, I was gifted the task of finding locations for hikers, kayakers, scientists, and bird-watchers. I pinched me too. We started in the Columbia River Gorge (above) and “worked” within scenic overlooks, forest trails, and a few of the many waterfalls (below).We traveled along the Columbia River back to Portland.Portland is a must-stop or if you need to get your city vibe on. Yes, the hip factor thrives here. Do the food trucks, neighborhoods, and the truly local joints.

If not Portland, see other cities of Oregon. Certainly stop in the small towns…

…Newport is one of them. On the same photo shoot, we collaborated with a family at a lighthouse in the morning and researchers among the dunes (doing real work) in the late afternoon. We had lunch near the harbor of fishing boats and dinner with a view of the coast. Yes, my job is occasionally very cool. This gig was one of my favorites and it has since been filed under Production Nirvana.

If you decide to visit Oregon, seeing everything in one trip can be a challenge. On my most recent visit (for fun) we could have taken a week to do the coast only. From Astoria to the California border is about 380 miles – but you’ll easily add mileage along the way to see, eat, shop, and fill your camera with photos. I do know you’ll add extra time to heal your sore neck – from gawking.I could easily fill your screen with more photos and continue to gush about the Oregon scenery but there aren’t enough adjectives – and this is not a travel blog. I would simply put forth that this State is easily one of the top five in America. Travel is subjective, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all human beings have different tastes. My travel tips for Oregon (and anywhere) are: experience the little things, meet the local people, try something new, see something not recommended by the travel bureau, and create your own scenic overlook. Whether work or play, plan on visiting more than once…

It wasn’t very long after the first train track was hammered into the earth when a photographer spotted the metaphor. Since then, the tracks have been dramatized in billions of photos, artwork, commercials, and movies. Add the popularity and ease of entry into photography, over-posting to social media, and less creativity; the railroad track shots have become a worn-out cliche’.

In the United States, it is ILLEGAL to shoot on them and near them. You are guilty of TRESPASSING on private property. When you snap the photo, you’re providing the evidence. Law enforcement thanks you.

Hold on. This is where those who don’t get it will react. It will be with rapid revolt, denial of facts or simple apathy. I’m okay if you stop reading because I won’t change your mind anyway. To the others, please continue.

I am a professional Location Scout for commercials, movies, and large-scale commercial photography. I worked on a movie which involved a scene on the track. I’ve also worked on a national commercial for a railroad company. On the two latter projects, proper protocol was in play (permission asked and granted, safety meetings held, railroad company personnel present while shooting, proper PPEworn, etc.). These steps are part of a professional, legal, and safe process.

Shooting on any private property without permission is called “stealing a shot.”

Often, I am asked: Do you think we need permission to shoot at location X versus shoot without asking? I simply reply: “Would you be okay if a photo or film crew shot on your property (front lawn, backyard, dining room, or any of the land you own) or perhaps your place of business – without asking?

SAFETY. You can get hit by a train easier then you think but most human beings are injured almost daily by being around tracks. They slip off the rail (which you should NEVER EVER be on) or fall against the steel or loose it off a bridge or are hurt in many other ways. Some of those people die.

The photo galleries of your local hobbyist-turned-photographer are cringeworthy! Teens, families, and babies have been draped across active railroad tracks. Does child protection services know about these people?

If you are a Liker who thinks it’s ‘cute’ or ‘awesome’ – you’re an enabler.

After seeing a few local shooter’s websites, I reached out politely to inform them that it’s illegal and unsafe. Their reactions were mostly negative: “I am offended you would accuse me of…”, “Oh that was when I first started” (but I’m not taking the photos down), “Who do you think you are?”, and I even got an “F you.”

By the way, it doesn’t matter if the line is “dead” or that you’re shooting from the break in the track. The viewer of the photo doesn’t know that… it is the PERCEPTION you are promoting that it’s okay. Ironically, it’s still illegal.

If you are a model or subject or you hired a Photographer to take photos of you or your family, why would you agree to be led into a dangerous situation? I am baffled at parents that say Okay to a photographer who says “C’mon, we’ll put your baby on the railroad tracks.”

In the past, I too have taken many railroad photographs. But a few years ago, when more photographers began to appear (and way too many amateurs) a change in thinking came to me. I began to feel odd, guilty, and trite when looking at the railroad shot. I began to say NO to clients that asked.

Sarah Jones was a young camera assistant and a colleague, ordered to follow trespassers – to “steal a shot.” After I cried, along with everybody else who cared, I became angry at how standard procedures were not followed. I was embarrassed at the black mark the horrible tragedy placed on true professionals in the industry that get it and are safe – all the time.

If you call yourself a professional filmmaker or photographer, I challenge you to bury the railroad track shot. Stop putting people in an unsafe and illegal position. Be smart. Think harder.

Find an alternative location.

To those who don’t care about breaking the law or putting themselves and their subjects in harm’s way, I am pleading to you as an indirect colleague to STOP. If you’re a hobbyist or simply enjoy posting the next photo to social media – PLEASE DON’T.

Be smart. Be safe. Have fun and live.

Want more information or prefer to get involved with Railroad Safety? Engage with Operation Lifesaver.

See offenders? Report them to local law enforcement or the railroad police (yes, there’s such a thing).